Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido (1967)
A hard-edged Japanese action drama from Toei Company, pitting Ken Takakura against the frozen wilds of Hokkaido in a clash of honor and survival.
Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido - Movie Information
- Original Title: 網走番外地 決斗零下30度
- Release Year: 1967
- Directed by: Teruo Ishii
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 20, 1967 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Abashiri Bangaichi: Ketto Reika 30-do (JP)
- Production Companies: Toei Company
- Production Countries: Japan
Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Teruo Ishii
Main Cast
- Ken Takakura
- Tetsuro Tamba
- Kanjūrō Arashi
- Teruo Yoshida
- Kunie Tanaka
- Jun Tazaki
- Tōru Abe
- Tōru Yuri
- Hiyumi Yoshino
- Reiko Ōhara
Writers
- Teruo Ishii
Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido?
The film stars Ken Takakura and Tetsuro Tamba in the lead roles, supported by Kanjūrō Arashi, Teruo Yoshida, Kunie Tanaka, Jun Tazaki, Tōru Abe, Tōru Yuri, Hiyumi Yoshino, and Reiko Ōhara. Ken Takakura's stoic screen presence was central to the Abashiri Prison franchise's enduring popularity.
Who directed Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido?
Teruo Ishii directed the film. Ishii also served as the screenwriter, demonstrating his dual creative role in the production. He was a prolific and versatile filmmaker at Toei Company, known for his energetic genre work across action, crime, and exploitation cinema throughout the 1960s and beyond.
When was Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido released?
Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido was released in Japan on April 20, 1967. It was produced and distributed by Toei Company, one of Japan's major film studios, and forms part of the long-running Abashiri Prison (網走番外地) series that began in 1965.
Is Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido part of a series?
Yes, it is an entry in the Abashiri Prison (網走番外地) film series produced by Toei Company, one of Japan's most celebrated action franchises of the 1960s. The series consistently featured Ken Takakura as its iconic lead and became a defining chapter in Japanese yakuza and action cinema.
What genre is Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido?
The film belongs to the Action and Drama genres. It is characteristic of the Japanese ninkyo eiga (chivalry film) tradition popularized by Toei in the 1960s, blending rugged action set pieces with themes of loyalty, honor, and personal sacrifice against the harsh backdrop of Hokkaido's frozen landscapes.
How long is Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido?
Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido has a runtime of 88 minutes. This compact running time is typical of the Toei action programmers of the era, which were designed to deliver fast-paced, efficient storytelling while maximizing theatrical throughput at Japanese cinemas during the studio's peak output years.
What language is Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido in?
The film is entirely in Japanese, reflecting its origins as a domestic Toei production aimed at Japanese audiences. It was produced in Japan and features a fully Japanese cast and crew, with Masao Yagi composing the film's score to complement its action-driven narrative.
Who composed the music for Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido?
The film's score was composed by Masao Yagi. Yagi was a notable figure in Japanese film music during the 1960s, and his work on this entry contributed to the atmospheric tension and dramatic momentum that defined the Abashiri Prison series' distinctive genre identity.
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